Updated on June 6, 2025
The character of a private villa in terms of design is definitely a key aspect that dictates the vacation experience of guests. By combining distinct traditional features with the comforts of modern luxuries, Bali’s lavish private villas offer an authentic Balinese experience that each visitor to the “island of the gods” wishes to have.
Aside from the conveniences brought by modern technology, the architectural identity of luxury private villas in Bali has significantly remained unchanged for centuries. In fact, Balinese architecture is considered by many designers as a hallmark of Asian tropical architecture and is replicated in many contemporary designs throughout the world.
Related article: A Glimpse into The Beauty of Balinese Culture
Major Influences in Traditional Balinese Design and Architecture
Photo: Organic materials and lush gardens are showcased at poolside in Ubud’s Villa Alamanda.
Notable characteristics of Balinese architecture are rooted in the religious beliefs of the Balinese people themselves. Concepts from Hinduism, Buddhism, and other faiths influence their design and construction methods just as much as the practicalities of everyday living.
Balinese methods of construction and planning of the building layout follow detailed guidelines as dictated by their religious principles. For example, the concept behind having gated compounds was to ward off predators such as tigers, which were once abundant throughout Indonesia. But this particular feature also has a deep, religious significance as a symbolic gateway between the physical and spiritual worlds.
In addition to the construction and design of Balinese houses and villas, every house is built with its own family temple or sanggah to acknowledge the spirits. The presence of sanggahs as well as spiritual icons and figures can also be found in many luxury villas in Bali with traditional design.
Related article: How Well Do You Know Bali?
Hallmarks of Villas with Traditional Balinese Design
While plantation-style villas and avant-garde rentals are also present in Bali, traditional elements remain in a number of luxury private villas in Bali. These details have deep connections to the spiritual and cultural traditions of the Balinese people, not to mention practical climate-appropriate applications for guests.
1. Minimal walls and breezy interiors
Photo: The living room in Canggu’s Villa Zelie incorporates the best of the indoors and outdoors.
A defining feature of Bali’s luxury villas is the minimal use of walls. Just like the past inhabitants of the island, present-day designers recognize that the true beauty of the island is not found indoors. And with such stunning locations, these properties present breathtaking views that occupants can enjoy in every section of the house.
2. Organic Building Materials
Many traditional Balinese structures are constructed entirely out of organic materials. Bamboo is particularly common and is used as poles, woven, and roof material. Other materials also include coconut lumber and dried leaves, teak wood, stones, bricks, and wood shingles which are applied as roof tiles. This impressive selection of building materials reflects the Balinese philosophy of building homes in harmony with nature.
3. Bales
Photo: A view of the comforting poolside bale from Villa Des Indes II in Seminyak.
Just as the Thai have their sala, bales are also iconic to traditional Bali homes. They are quite similar in purpose, originally built by rice farmers as resting places while out on the fields. Bales, however, are usually simpler, built with flat and elevated flooring and without any benches. Its idyllic charm is still well-appreciated and is found in many luxury villas on the island.
4. Gardens
In Balinese courtyards, families would plant on any available open space expect only those allocated for walking, creating their own little Bali within their compound. Their love for gardens also shows the people’s appreciation of being one with nature. They often landscape these spaces imitating the verdant sceneries of the island, making use of natural stones and native plants.
5. Ponds and other water features
Photo: At Villa Windu Sari in Kerobokan, you can take a swim in the pool or relax in the bale with a good book.
Balinese Hindus regard water as an element of cleansing both physically and spiritually and most locals embrace this by incorporating it to their homes. Ponds are almost always part of a traditional Balinese abode. Covered by lotus plants and water lilies, they blend splendidly with the surrounding garden vegetation.
Be it in the form of water walls, fountains, reflection ponds, or spectacular infinity pools, every luxury villa in Bali is certain to come with a water feature. Aside from the joyous feeling of submerging into a crystal clear swimming pool, the sound of flowing water will soothe any unsettled soul.
Related reading: The Rise of Wellness Tourism in Bali: A Haven for Spa Centers, Holistic Healing, and Wellness Retreats
Discover the Beauty of Traditional Balinese Design
The Balinese people believed that each individual house possesses life, which they call udip. The concept in itself is still evident in the island’s luxury villa rentals, which have their own unique character that guests are sure to recognize and personally appreciate during their stay.
Despite staying true to the local design and architecture, today’s luxury private villas on Bali are well-equipped with the opulence of modern living. These villas feature flat-screen TVs, sound systems, state-of-the-art kitchens, sports facilities, lavish bathroom fixtures, and private chefs. But the beauty of Bali and the embrace of the environment provided by the villas are sure to stay with you even after you have left.
Explore inspiration in Home & Design.
Featured photo: Villa Kaba Kaba
